Mexico allows disputed GM corn tests

[Judi Lynn]

Mexico allows disputed GM corn tests
by Staff Writers
Mexico City (AFP) Oct 15, 2009

Mexico on Thursday approved its first permits for genetically-modified test crops of corn, in a controversial move to boost the staple food in the cradle of maize production.
The agriculture and environment ministries announced the first two permits in a joint statement, but did not name the companies involved or specify where the fields were. They said that 35 permit requests had been made.

The first permits would be applied under controlled conditions, "totally isolated from other crops," the statement said.

Critics worry that the crop genes will spread to other plants -- creating uncontrollable superweeds and superbugs -- and also that they could contaminate Mexico's pre-Hispanic varieties of corn.

Greenpeace immediately slammed the permits and planned to file motions in court to "prevent this environmental crime," said watchdog representative Aleira Lara.

"They've ignored the warning from the scientific community about the risk for our country, the center of origin and genetic diversity of corn, to be contaminated by these kind of organisms," Lara said.

More:
http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Mexico_allows_disputed_GM_corn_tests_999.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. Biotech activists drape Mexican monument in black

Biotech activists drape Mexican monument in black
The Associated Press
Date: Sunday Oct. 18, 2009 9:56 PM ET

MEXICO CITY — Environmental activists have draped Mexico City's Independence Monument in black to protest approval of genetically modified corn plantings.

Members of Greenpeace Mexico have drapped black banners from the 35-meter (yard) tall column and placed black arm bands on statues of national heroes on the monument, which is topped by the image of an angel.

Protester Aleira Lara says "today, the angel of Independence is in mourning."

Mexico approved the first two experimental plantings of biotech corn Thursday in controlled areas where officials say no native corn varieties exist.

Protesters said Sunday that modified genes could spread and contaminate genetically valuable native varieties of corn, which originated in Mexico.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091018/Mexico_biotech_091018/20091018?hub=SciTech

[Peace Patriot]

2. This is TERRIBLE! nt